Felicity ultimately chose not to use the dog hole.
Instead, she used vines to support herself and scaled the city wall with ease.
However, the overwhelming surge of imaginary energy she exerted immediately drew the attention of the Fragmentum Creatures.
Born from the Rift, the Fragmentum Creatures were twisted by the power of the Stellaron and were relentless in their assault on humanity.
A group of strange bird-like creatures, their bodies made of glowing crystals, locked their eyes on Asta. Their wings, impossibly large and stiff, flapped wildly. It was almost unfathomable how they could remain airborne with such wings.
"Frostspawn, Flamespawn...! Big Sis, I told you to be cautious! I can't take on these things!"
Sampo resembled a frightened rabbit, stepping back reflexively and glancing at Felicity. Once he confirmed that the vines she summoned were not aimed at him, he wasted no time, turning to flee.
"If you're not running now, when will you?!"
He bolted.
"Ah..."
Felicity glanced at the retreating Sampo, shrugging nonchalantly. She didn't mind in the slightest.
Her objective had been reached—she had made it to the highest city of Jarilo-VI: Belobog.
As for Sampo, if he had the nerve to flee, he must have some means of defense.
While she considered this, a mindless creature from the Rift charged towards her, a red flame creature rushing in with scorching heat.
Felicity lowered her gaze slightly, raised her hand, and without summoning a single creature, she simply pinched the creature's head between her fingers.
The Fragmentum flapped its wings desperately, its flames blazing hotter than before, yet it couldn't budge an inch.
"Just a life formed from crystals... and fire?"
Ignoring the searing pain in her arms, Felicity analyzed the creature's structure with a calm, discerning eye.
"Such a form can create life... Truly, the world is full of wonders."
With a slight grunt, she focused her energy, sending a surge of imaginary force through her palm. Cracks appeared along the creature's body, spreading rapidly until it shattered into countless fragments, scattering like dust.
She groaned in disappointment, losing interest in the mindless creatures. A few simple gestures summoned several vines, which wrapped around the remaining creatures, strangling them in the blink of an eye.
There was nothing here that could pose a threat to her.
With nothing else to do, Felicity wandered aimlessly.
The area seemed to have once been affluent, surrounded by luxurious homes. Though now decaying from the passage of time, hints of their former grandeur remained.
Felicity strolled casually, as if taking a leisurely walk after a meal. Whenever the Fragmentum Creatures attacked, she dispatched them easily with the Abundance Creatures. Without even noticing, she had walked quite a distance.
Then, she heard the sound of movement.
"Silvermane Guards! Form up! Defend and protect! Take them down!"
A silver-haired girl in military garb stood poised with a spear, her voice crisp and clear as she issued commands. Before her stood a well-ordered line of Silvermane Guards, and behind them, countless creatures from the Rift.
"Yes, ma'am!"
The guards shouted in unison, rallying themselves with a battle cry.
They coordinated flawlessly, lining up for long-range shots, while artillery units fired heavy shells from the rear.
On either side, guards with guns and axes cleared out any Fragmentum creatures that managed to slip through.
A wave of Rift Creatures collapsed, turning into fragments and dissipating into the void. But there were more, countless more in the distance—seemingly endless.
Though the Silvermane Guards were valiant, they were still mortal, unlike the mindless creatures that attacked endlessly. Their stamina was finite, and after prolonged fighting, even the most disciplined were bound to falter.
It didn't take long before a breach appeared in their ranks.
Whether it was a misstep by a guard or a misplaced arrow from an archer, a Rift creature broke through the line and sent one of the guards flying.
That single breach was all it took. A floodgate opened, and the creatures poured through like a relentless tide.
On the safe side of the line, the silver-haired girl's expression darkened. She stepped forward instinctively, but a tall figure beside her held her back.
"Lady Bronya, Lady Cocolia instructed that you should never enter the battlefield personally."
"... I know, but... I can't just stand by."
Bronya's gaze dimmed, her heart heavy.
This was not the first time she had questioned herself.
Her mother, Cocolia, had commanded the Silvermane Guards to hold the Rift at all costs. The strategy was clear—gather their strength for a decisive strike against the Rift, to finally end the endless battle with its creatures.
But with each passing day, the Silvermane Guards grew fewer, while the Rift's spread only seemed to grow faster.
Bronya had questioned her mother, time and time again, but each time, Cocolia's response had been the same: "I have my reasons."
The Supreme Guardian, Cocolia, must have had her own hidden reasons, Bronya thought. She was a cautious leader who would never act without careful consideration. Still, the loss of so many lives, her comrades, weighed heavily on her.
She wanted to do something, but once again, the guards restrained her.
"Someone... anyone... please, save them. Change this tragic ending..."
Bronya whispered, but her voice faltered. She knew her words would mean nothing. Life would not pause for anyone's pleas.
Despair gripped her heart.
"Well..."
A sigh, soft but distinct, caught her attention.
Bronya's eyes widened, her pupils dilating in shock.
Before her, a massive flower began to bloom, its petals unfolding gently. From the sky, a figure descended.
The figure landed gracefully on the flowers, golden hair shining, green eyes gleaming—like a goddess among the petals, a vision of beauty.
The flowers released a delicate fragrance, filling the air and lifting the spirits of the weary guards.
More flowers blossomed, their vibrant colors striking against the frozen world around them.
Felicity crossed her arms, her emerald eyes glowing faintly as she watched the battle below.
She couldn't stand by while innocent lives perished.
Turning her back to the Silvermane Guards, her hair flowing in the wind, she looked like a fairy in the snow. With a gentle motion, she pointed at the Rift creatures, her voice a soft murmur:
"Enrich all lives. One Dharma, ten thousand hearts."
"Bloom to your heart's content."
--+--
T/N: I said I would do 25 chaps, but I'm getting bored so ill update it to 25 tomorrow. Be grateful for the 20 today.